How often should you use a face mask? With so many benefits to face masks, you may be tempted to go overboard and apply a mask every night before bed. But there’s no need! The other question you may ask is: How long should you keep a face mask on? Put simply, unless it’s a leave-on mask or an overnight mask, you do not need to leave it on for very long at all. In fact, masking for too long may weaken your skin barrier and cause unwanted symptoms, such as dry or irritated skin. Keep reading for details on how often you should use a face mask as well as how long you should leave it on.
How Often Should You Use A Face Mask
Face masks are formulated to nourish and treat your skin as well as address different skin concerns like acne, irritation, dry skin or fine lines and wrinkles. They provide targeted aid to problem areas to enhance your complexion. Plus, you can pick from luxurious creamy textures, thick clay or charcoal, which all feel incredibly satisfying. That’s why it’s so tempting to apply face masks every day.
When it comes to frequency, cream, gel and exfoliating masks can be applied around two to three times a week unless the product instructions specify otherwise. However, according to Healthline.com, charcoal and clay masks should only be used once or twice a week maximum. One exception: Oily skin types may benefit from a more frequent application. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, check with your esthetician or dermatologist for the best recommendation.
A second exception? When it comes to leave-on masks, these treatments have their own frequency recommendations. For example, the Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque can be used three times a week. And because it’s a no-rinse formula, you can leave it on until it is absorbed.
How Long Should You Keep A Face Mask On For?
Apart from leave-on formulas, a standard mask should on be left on for five to ten minutes, unless specified as longer on the product instructions. It’s very easy to overdo it and indulge in a face mask every morning and night, but this isn’t helping your skin. Using face masks too often might strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt its pH balance.
Consultant dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto spoke to Refinery29, stating: “Using multiple ingredients on the skin, especially if high in active ingredients [such as retinol, Vitamin C and exfoliating acids, like glycolic acid] can result in disruption of the skin barrier.” The skin barrier defends the skin from bacteria and from developing symptoms like dry, cracked skin, dermatitis, or eczema.
However, as mentioned, leave-on masks have their own set of rules and can be left on until absorbed. Read on to find out how long you should leave on cream, gel, and charcoal, as well as instructions on how to apply a leave-on mask.
How Long To Keep A Face Mask On: 5 Mask Types
Exfoliating Masks
Exfoliating masks can either be chemical exfoliating masks or physical exfoliating masks. Chemical exfoliating masks are formulated with skin-friendly acids, such as AHAs or BHAs, to remove dead skin cells, decongest pores and reveal newer, younger-looking skin. In comparison, physical exfoliation masks gently buff the skin with little, finely-milled granules. Typically, you can leave them on for 10 minutes, however, follow the instructions on the product.
Cream Or Gel Masks
Cream face masks are designed to hydrate the skin and provide moisture. Gel masks have a lighter texture and can soothe and cool irritated skin. Cream and gel masks should be left on for five to ten minutes, and rinsed off so no product remains on your skin.
Clay And Mud Masks
Clay and mud masks can be used to help with breakouts and large pores, making them suitable for problem skin, oily skin and combination skin, although any skin type can use them. They remove excess oil from your face, so most people would benefit. Again, these masks can only be left on for five to ten minutes and then rinsed off.
Charcoal Masks
Charcoal masks draw out oil and dirt from your pores to clear your skin. Like clay and mud masks, they’re an excellent option for oily and combination skin. Charcoal can easily strip the natural oils from your skin, so leave the mask on for five to ten minutes and then wash it off to avoid drying out your complexion.
Eminence Organics’ Leave-On Mask
Eminence Organics’ leave-on masks are designed to support the skin’s natural recovery process and maintain the health of the skin’s moisture barrier. For example, the Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque is a no-rinse probiotic skin care formula that visibly renews your skin with ginger and pre, pro* and postbiotics. This rich, slow-absorbing mask provides soothing hydration and comfort to dry, dull skin.
To use, apply this no-rinse mask over the entire face, neck and décolleté. Apply evenly and gently massage until absorbed. Leave it on for five to ten minutes and the product should absorb. If there is still remaining product after ten minutes, you can tissue the rest off.
You can use this leave-on mask three times a week, or as often as your skin requires extra care. The Kombucha Leave-On Masque may also be used as a moisturizer to improve the skin’s defenses against dryness and balance the microbiome.
Incredibly, 92% of users noted their skin appeared healthier** after using the luxurious Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque.
This leave-on mask features essential benefits. It:
Provides an occlusive, additional layer of protection from environmental stressors
Calms the look of irritation and dry skin
Helps restore a healthy skin barrier
Makes the skin appear vibrant, hydrated and healthy-looking.
Introduces beneficial prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to maintain the skin’s microbiome
If you’d like to try the Kombucha Leave-On Mask, you can shop the product here. Let us know in the comments below how you find the results.
* Products do not contain live probiotic cultures.
**In vivo study results after 28 days.
